Teaching Portfolio

Sample Syllabus

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Course Purpose:

Welcome to 7th grade English! During the next year this class will introduce students to a variety of literature meant to expand students’ reading, writing, vocabulary, grammar, and critical thinking skills. The year will be organized into units with many exciting stories and activities to participate in. A variety of teaching strategies will be used to allow students to discover which learning style work best. The goal of the year is to help all students reach their academic goals and have fun while doing so.

Course Objectives:

Each unit will include core standards the student needs to become proficient with and help to prepare the student for eighth grade English.

– Students will write in various forms

– Students will learn proper grammar usage

– Students will practice spelling and vocabulary words

– Students will gain reading skills through a variety of texts

– Students will learn to analyze literature

Classroom Rules:

Classroom rules are simple yet a very important part of the learning process. In order for students to be successful, they must have an environment that promotes success.

– Be respectful to others and myself at all times.

– Be responsible for my own work and behavior.

– Come to class prepared.

– Follow classroom directions.

If students follow the rules above, they should have a successful school year and be well prepared for eighth grade.

Classroom Supplies:

Students will need the following:

– Class folders – one to take home and one to stay in class

– Two notebooks – one for notes and one for journal entries

– Pencils, Colored Pencils, Pens, Markers and Highlighters

Classroom Procedures:

Students will be expected to be in their seat when the bell rings. Every day, students will begin the class with a bell activity. There will be no talking during these activities as the teacher takes roll. As soon as the bell-ringer assignment is done, students will take out their agendas and copy the assignment and any homework information down. We will then begin the lesson. The bell does not dismiss students, the teacher does.

Grading Policies:

Each semester is graded separately with both grades averaged at the end of the year. My assignments are weighted as follows for each semester:

Tests – 40% of the final grade

Project – 30% of the final grade

Homework – 10% of the final grade

Class work – 10% of the final grade

Participation – 10% of the final grade

If a student turns in either one of these assignments late, each day he or she loses 10% of his or her grade. Every student is expected to fill out and turn in a late work sheet where they explain why they did not complete their assignment. When a student has completed three late work sheets or has refused to complete an assignment the parent is notified. If a student turns in an incomplete assignment they will lose 10% of their grade and are required to finish the assignment.

Attendance Policies:

Students who have an excused absence will receive the time allotted according to the school policy which is one day for every day student was absent. It is the students’ responsibility to obtain any missing work from the daily folders at the front of the classroom. Students are required to have an absentee slip from the office for re-entry which I will fill out with the missing assignment information.

Discipline Policies:

Each student is given the opportunity to behave accordingly in class. When a student misbehaves they are given a verbal warning. If they continue to misbehave they earn a red slash. Two red slashes earn the student a “think sheet” which must be filled out before the student can return to the classroom activities. Think sheets are saved in the students file for future reference if the parent or administration wish to view. If the student earns a third slash they are sent to the office with a discipline notice.

Electronic Device Guidelines:

Cell phones are allowed, but must be turned off and put away. I-pods are allowed only during independent work when the teacher has given permission. If a student is caught with a cell phone turned on or using an I-pod without permission, a report will be sent to administration and they will call the student to the office.

Food or Drink Rules:

Students are allowed to have a bottle of water or sports drink in the classroom. Snacks are not allowed with the exception of teacher provided snacks at times. If your child has any food allergies please let me know. Gum or mints are allowed as long as it’s not a distraction – no blowing bubbles or popping gum. Trash must be disposed of properly.

Students and parents, I am looking forward to a great year of reading new stories, writing and expressing ourselves, and getting to know each other through our work and many classroom discussions.